NOVEMBER 2023
CHAMBER CONNEC TION
SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER GEARS UP TO LAUNCH SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGNS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s that time of year when we’re all on the hunt for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is here to remind our community that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and shopping locally this season can be the solution to all your holiday shopping needs. Holiday shopping can often feel like a daunting task, especially with picky relatives and seemingly impossible-to-shop-for siblings on your list. But fear not, because Santa Maria Valley’s small businesses have you covered. One of the many advantages of shopping local is the vast array of unique shopping opportunities you’ll find right in our community. Whether you’re searching for handcrafted gifts, new home decor, or oneof-a-kind items, our local merchants offer a wide selection that’s sure to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Continued on p. 2
IN THIS ISSUE LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY AGRICULTURE DAY P.3 2024 RESTAURANT MONTH AND CRAFT COCKTAIL CONTEST REGISTRATION DETAILS P.3 CHAMBER IN ACTION P.4 RECENT CHAMBER PUBLICATIONS P. 5 MEMBERSHIP CORNER P.6 MONTHLY FEATURED BUSINESSES P.7
CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chairman: Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union Chairman-Elect: Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA Vice Chairman: Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc. Past Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals Board Members Sue Andersen, Marian Regional Medical Center Michael Boyer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Jeff Buckingham, Astound Business Solutions Powered by Digital West Donna Denham, Santa Maria Country Club Kelsi Fitzgerald, Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttery Antonio Garcia, Santa Maria Joint High School District Gina Gluyas, Realtor, Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties David Leroy, Toyota Of Santa Maria David Merlo, Glenn Burdette Tere Paredes, Maya Restaurant Joshua Sahagun, Luttrell Staffing Group Ryan Swack, Best Western Big America Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts Kevin G. Walthers, Allan Hancock College Interested in Chamber volunteer leadership opportunities? Contact Molly Schiff, Director of Member & Community Engagement, at molly@santamaria.com to learn more about open positions on our committees.
CONTINUED - THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER GEARS UP TO LAUNCH SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGNS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Continued from p.1 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is committed to encouraging our community to embrace the spirit of shopping local this year. “Shopping locally provides the ability for our local businesses to sustain, give back and provide jobs to our community,” said Suzanne Singh, Director of Economic & Community Development. “When we shop locally, we promote a thriving community- providing livelihood, jobs, and tax revenues to our community which in turn provides awareness, programs, and infrastructure. This holiday season we encourage everyone to shop local, helping keep Santa Maria Valley a stable, relevant and growing community.” As the holiday season approaches, we’ll be launching several marketing campaigns designed to spotlight the remarkable offerings of our local businesses. These campaigns will not only highlight the unique products and services available but also reward those supporting the great businesses in our community. We invite you to stay tuned for more information on our holiday season campaigns and learn how you can participate in supporting the businesses that make our community special. Your choice to shop local this holiday season is not only a convenient way to find the perfect gifts but also a powerful way to support the backbone of our local economy. Happy holidays! Local businesses and non-profits holding holiday events and activities are encouraged to submit their information to nathan@santamaria.com so the Chamber can include them on our community events and tourism calendars.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber invites you to join us in support our diverse range of great local businesses this Holiday season!
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LEADERSHIP SANTA MARIA VALLEY EXPLORES OUR LOCAL AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY DURING RECENT TOPIC DAY This month, members of the Leadership Santa Maria Valley program embarked on an informative and insightful day, visiting key players in the agriculture and food production industry in the central coast region. The day included visits to Plantel Nurseries, Argo-Jal Strawberry Fields, Bonipak Cooler, and concluded with a visit to Riverbench Winery. After this topic day, class members had a greater understanding of our local agriculture industry, impact from recent weather conditions, and how new technology is changing workforce needs.
Scan to read complete LSMV article.
Pictured above: Ed Carcarey joined the class to speak on the importance of understanding our purpose and passion while serving the community.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR 2024 RESTAURANT MONTH AND CRAFT COCKTAIL CONTEST PARTICIPANTS Each year, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber brings local businesses together in celebration of our communities diverse and unique culinary culture with our Dine Out #SantaMariaStyle campaign. The campaign includes a Restaurant Month component and a Craft Cocktail Contest. The upcoming promotion and contest window will be Jan 12th- Feb 11th, 2024. Interested in participating? Sign up today using the QR code below!
Scan to submit your registration today!
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber will host Restaurant Month and the 2024 Craft Cocktail Contest Jan. 12th - Feb. 11th 2024. NOVEMBER 2023 3
CHAMBER IN ACTION Here’s a look at what our Chamber & our member businesses have been up to this past month.
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This month the Chamber held its 2023 State of the City event, gathering local business owners and community leaders to hear an update from Mayor Alice Patino about the state of Santa Maria and what’s in store for the future of the city. In Partnership with the Santa Barbara County Education Office, the Chamber hosted its most recent teacher tour exploring local businesses within the manufacturing industry. Teachers from this CTE pathway participated in a series of tours at Bethel Engineering, Martinez & Associates Architects, and Urban Planning Concepts.
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Julie Colegrove of Shaklee was recently named Ambassador of the Quarter (July-Sept 2023)! Julie has been an ambassador of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber for 27 years and a proud member since 1980. Jayleen Estrada, the youngest Junior CEO in our Fall 2023 cohort, was featured in the Santa Maria Times. Chamber Staff attended the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Empty Bowls event earlier this month. New members were recently recognized at the Chamber Mixer hosted by Oasis, Inc.
KEEP UP WITH OUR OTHER RECENT PUBLICATIONS Take a look at some of our other recent Chamber publications including our new Local Business Spotlight and editorials.
The “Local Business Spotlight” series is an on-going collaboration between the Santa Maria Valley Chamber and the Santa Maria Times with the goal of showcasing great local businesses.
Check out our most recent Local Business Spotlight on Testa Catering & Event Rentals who is celebrating 40 years in business this year!
Pictured: The team at Testa Catering & Event Rentals recently joined us for our Local Business Spotlight series with the Santa Maria Times.
Scan to watch most recent Local Business Spotlight.
Celebrating 40 years of business, Debi and Martin Testa have built a successful catering business which also offers event rentals services centered around a great team.
CHAMBER COMMENTARY | EDITORIALS IN SANTA MARIA TIMES Each month the Santa Maria Valley Chamber partners with the Santa Maria Times to coordinate guest writers for two editorial columns. Below are the two Chamber Commentary articles released during October 2023.
INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH THE CHAMBER? Please reach out to Isabel Guerrero, Communications Specialist via email at isabel@santamaria.com Shared workspaces are revolutionizing the way we work
Why does ‘workplace culture’ matter to employers and employees
Scan to read prior Chamber editorials.
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GROWING MEMBERSHIP: CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS As champions for a stronger Santa Maria Valley, the Chamber is excited to welcome more businesses to our growing organization. Please join us in welcoming the following new Chamber members, who joined in the month of September 2023. Director: Central West Produce (805) 925-2481 www.centralwestproduce.com Investor: Dewlson Family Farm (805) 208-4760 www.dewlsonfamilyfarm.com
Investor: Julio’s Auto Insurance- Lompoc (805) 430-9700 www.juliosautoinsurance.com Julio’s Auto Insurance- N. Broadway (805) 623-0703 www.juliosautoinsurance.com
TAKE YOUR BUSINESS/ ORGANIZATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY JOINING THE CHAMBER TODAY!
Julio’s Auto Insurance- Oxnard (805) 487-8610 www.juliosautoinsurance.com Julio’s Auto Insurance- S. Broadway (805) 623-8281 www.juliosautoinsurance.com Member: Full Circle Photo (805) 470-9540 www.fullcirclephoto805.com
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Join the Chamber today by contacting Membership Manager, Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
MONTHLY FEATURED BUSINESSES FOR OCTOBER 2023 Each month the Chamber in partnership with the City of Santa Maria recognizes two deserving businesses through the “Monthly Featured Business Program.” We are excited to announce this month’s recipients!
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CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF THESE MEMBERS! If you know a long-standing or healthcare business in the City of Santa Maria who deserves recognition, email patricia@santamaria.com to nominate them for this program.
The Y was recognized at City Council as the long-standing featured business of the month for October 2023.
Akeso Occupational Health was recognized at City Council as the Healthcare featured business of the month for October 2023.
Scan to read the full press release.
CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESS: CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS These Chamber member businesses recently celebrated joining the Chamber or a major business milestone with a ribbon cutting. Join us in congratulating them!
Chic Interiors
Pacific Christian
(805) 287-9610 www.chicinteriordesign.com
(805) 934-3491 www.pacificchristian.net
153 E. Clark Ave., Ste. 101, Orcutt, CA 93455
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR MEMBERS! How has being a Chamber member supported the growth of your business? Let us know by emailing isabel@santamaria.com.
3435 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Santa Maria Valley Small Engine Repair 916 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 348-0167 www.santamariavalleysmallengine.com
CHAMBER MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
“We joined the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to community engagement. St. Mary of the Assumption School values the local partnerships, networking opportunities, and resources offered by the Chamber. Together, we aim to strengthen our ties, support local businesses, and foster a thriving, interconnected community.” - St. Mary of the Assumption School NOVEMBER 2023 7
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
THANKS FOR READING! Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. For questions about this publication or to be added to our monthly mailing distribution list, email isabel@santamaria.com. Stay in the loop on upcoming events and other community announcements with Chamber text alerts! Text CHAMBER to 33222 to sign up.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454 www.santamaria.com (805) 925-2403
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